The book of 1 Peter was written to Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire who were facing increasing pressure, opposition, confusion, and persecution because of their faith in Jesus. Peter writes as both an apostle and a pastor, reminding believers who they are, whose they are, and how to remain faithful in a world that often feels hostile to Christian conviction. In many ways, the message of 1 Peter feels incredibly relevant for today. Christians are increasingly navigating cultural tension, uncertainty, and questions about how to faithfully follow Jesus in a rapidly changing world. Peter does not call believers to retreat from culture, nor to become combative toward it. Instead, he calls the Church to live with holiness, humility, courage, hope, and unwavering trust in Christ. Throughout this 10-week series, Lakeway Church will explore what it means to live as “elect exiles” — people who belong fully to Jesus while living faithfully in the world around them. This series will help us deepen our identity in Christ, strengthen our witness, endure persecution with hope, and become a church marked by worship, mission, humility, and spiritual maturity. At its heart, 1 Peter is a call to resilient discipleship: not merely surviving difficult times but becoming a distinct and hope-filled people whose lives invite everyone to find and follow Jesus.